Continuing my review series of Squid Game Season 2, let’s dive into the third survival game: “Pair Up.”
Picture this: a merry-go-round at the center of a spinning stage, set to the cheerful melody of the Korean children’s song Round and Round We Go (둥글게 둥글게). As the music plays, participants move in a circle, and when the song stops, they must pair up according to the number announced. Those who successfully form pairs move to designated rooms and survive. Those left without a partner? They face a chilling fate.
Round and Round We Go (둥글게 둥글게)
- Lyrics by: Jung Geun
- Music by: Lee Soo-in
- Year: 1971
Lyrics (Translated):
Round and round we go, round and round we go,
Dancing as we spin around.
Clapping hands and singing songs,
La-la-la, let’s dance joyfully!
Ring-a-ring-a-ring, ring-a-ring-a-ring,
Hand in hand, let’s all play together!
Round and round we go, round and round we go,
Dancing as we spin around.
Clapping hands and singing songs,
La-la-la, let’s dance joyfully!
This delightful children’s song, set in the bright key of D Major, becomes a stark contrast to the life-or-death stakes of the game. The juxtaposition of the innocent, playful tune with the grim reality of survival is nothing short of chilling.
A Dance of Survival
At first, it seems like participants will only pair up once, but the game continues through multiple rounds. Tensions mount as players realize that with each pairing, the number of survivors dwindles. Finally, the announcement comes: it’s the last round.
With 50 rooms available, Yong-il speculates that the final pairing will leave only two participants. True to his prediction, the last game calls for pairs of two. But Yong-il takes things a step further—he shoves Gi-hun’s friend Jung-bae into a room. Inside, another participant is already present. Before the game’s organizers can perform a headcount, Yong-il eliminates the existing occupant, ensuring the room contains only two players.
Jung-bae feels an overwhelming mix of relief at surviving and horror at the ruthlessness of Yong-il’s actions. The game forces players to see each other as competitors, and the tension is palpable.
Round and Round Echoes Beyond the Drama
Even after the episode ends, the haunting irony of Round and Round We Go lingers in the mind. Who knew this seemingly innocent children’s song could sound so terrifying?
Interestingly, the Squid Game 2 craze has brought this classic tune into unexpected places. Reports say clubs worldwide are blasting Round and Round We Go as a party anthem, with people singing along to the catchy “Ring-a-ring-a-ring, ring-a-ring-a-ring” chorus.
At the end of the day, it’s just a drama. Once the emotional intensity wears off, perhaps the song can reclaim its place as a cheerful melody again. Until then, the chills remain! 🎵
